Passing on the Torch

The Pandamonium is always a great time. Students and families from around the community come out to enjoy the festivities, get some extra training in and meet representatives from some of the charities our foundation supports. It allows us to encourage awareness of what we do, both as a kung fu school and a foundation. This year marks Silent River's 30th anniversary and because of this, the mayor and a few dignitaries made an appearance to recognize this achievement. To be involved in the community and become an integral part of the town's identity is incredible.

24 Hours continuous hours of Kung Fu is a unique way for students to go to the kwoon at different times of the day. You meet people who have been there for years and you wouldn't know because some class times are at completely different times in the day. I have participated in the Pandamonium for the past 3 years, every year I challenged myself to stay the entire 24 hours. This is not easy, it is a sure test of willpower and determination. You learn a lot about yourself and those who take the challenge with you, not to mention the friendships you build and grow. Each year seemed to get easier in some ways and more difficult in others. The variety of activities and the opportunity to learn so much in so little time is one that keeps me coming back again and again. 

Alas, this year is my last for doing the entire 24 hours. It has been fun, but I feel I need to change my approach to the Pandamonium. Spend less time, but allow it to have more impact and meaning. Besides, the recovery period gets a little longer each time. I want to stop before the Sunday after is a complete write off. I also need to be a little smarter and take care of my body and mind better. This being said I do not regret it, it was a blast every year! However, now it is time for me to pass on the torch. I challenge others to give this challenge a try at least once, especially if you enjoy being at the kwoon as much as I do.

Take care everyone.

Energy Level

This past week I had the opportunity to lead the Tiny Tigers class. There are certain dynamics of teaching an entire class that are quite different than teaching one on one. You need to be able to keep the attention and interest of the entire class, not just one student. One way to ensure this is to recognize your energy level and how you present it. If you are too quiet or lethargic, the kids get bored and start finding ways to entertain themselves. The opposite, which happened in my case, is when you are too energetic and they are so excited they cannot contain themselves. There needs to be a balance between these extremes in order to be successful.

I found it fascinating how an entire room of students can feed off your mood. I knew it happened from one person to another, but an entire class? That is some neat stuff. Controlling not only what I say but how I say it key and is something I will be working on. Having a plan and not becoming frustrated when it isn't panning out quite as you envisioned are two other vital keys to success with this. There is so much to learn, bit by bit it is coming together for me.

I hope everyone had a fantastic, unusually sunny May long weekend. I know I took advantage of it, getting some quality motorcycle riding in.

Take care everyone.

Trade Off

I had an interesting encounter at work this week. We had the annual inspection for the emergency generator in one of our buildings. The inspector who came out was the same person installed it almost 30 years ago! This guy knew the system inside and out. When he was giving us a refresher course and showing us the specific features of the system, he began asking me questions about my familiarity with the electrical components of it. I was taken back by just how much I don't know or remember. My specific electrical knowledge has atrophied an incredible amount since last year. It is a little disheartening considering I am supposed to be a Certified Journeyman. Of course, this is one way of looking at it.

It's easy to get lost in that way of thinking. I have lost knowledge, but I can't expect to remember what I don't practice. The more I spend in this kind of job, the more my knowledge and skill set will change. It is a trade off really. One example, I lose specific technical factoids and replace them with how to diffuse a situation by calming down an upset resident. Just because I have formal training in a certain field, does not mean that it is what I am meant to do for the rest of my life. Sometimes life hands you opportunities to explore other avenues available to you. If the price is not remembering everything, I am happy to pay it. No one can take the education or experience I received away from me completely.

Pulling My Weight

It is safe to say that spring is in full swing. The trees are budding, the grass is becoming more green and the outdoor projects that we all plan during the winter months are finally beginning. This means life around the house is increasingly busy. Most of my time during the week is spent out and about, this being said I am not at home for any extended period time aside from sleeping. There is a lot that gets done around the house that I don't contribute to. This became apparent to me this lately and I am committed to changing this fact. I have been asking more often what I can do to help and just taking the initiative more often, even if I am tired from the day's events. I am getting more creative in how I can maximize my time with tasks that I can do at home while maintaining a steady training regiment. With time and practice, it is coming along.

I feel like I owe it to Mel's parents, they are letting us stay here for next to nothing monetarily so I need to pull my weight around here somehow. In my opinion, when you receive something from someone there has to be something given back in return, otherwise it eventually loses its value. It is nice to be nice, but if the person you are helping out doesn't show any kind of appreciation for it, you are less likely to do it again.

I have been taking steps to ensure that I appreciate those around me, appreciating the understanding and patience that my family, friends and peers show me. This is certainly another opportunity to see how much I can improve my ability to balance all the aspects of my life, I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge.

Take care everyone.